
- Reported in multiple outlets, there's a petition on the Brighton and Hove City Council website—Brighten and Hove is a city in Sussex—that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry be stripped of their "Sussex" title.
- It reads, in part, "As residents of Brighton and Hove we call on Brighton and Hove Council to not refer to these individuals by such titles which we believe to be entirely non democratic and symbolic of the oppression of the general public by the wealthy elite."
- Meghan and Harry, who may already be in the U.S. for the holidays, have (smartly) not commented.
In the latest news I'm filing under "really, really stupid," campaigner Charles Ross started a petition on the Brighton and Hove City Council website in July 2019, about removing the "Sussex" title from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. It's been signed by 3,700 people, and insultingly reads like this:
We the undersigned petition Brighton & Hove Council to reject the usage of the titles "Duke of Sussex" and "Duchess of Sussex" by the individuals Henry ("Harry") Windsor and Rachel Meghan Markle as morally wrong and disrespectful to the county of East Sussex. As residents of Brighton and Hove we call on Brighton and Hove Council to not refer to these individuals by such titles which we believe to be entirely non democratic and symbolic of the oppression of the general public by the wealthy elite. Neither will Brighton Council invite or entertain these individuals nor afford them any hospitality or courtesies above and beyond that of an ordinary member of the public.
The Council is set to vote on it, but is unlikely to back it—also, they apparently have no say in the matter anyways, as the Queen would be the one to confer or take away the title. The Sussexes, who may already be in the United States with Meghan's mom Doria Ragland to celebrate the holidays, did not comment. Which, good for them, TBH. The Sussex account, instead of highlighting the news, has instead chosen to share quotes of love and tolerance:
A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal)
A photo posted by on
Also, the petition was slammed by Thomas Mace-Archer-Mills, founder of the British Monarchists Society. "We are utterly dismayed that said petition has been signed by so many...Such a petition shows utter disdain and contempt for The Crown, not to mention copious amounts of disrespect to, and for, the Royal Family which undertakes thousands of engagements per year on behalf of the nation, in right of Her Majesty as The Crown."
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Katherine’s a Boston-based contributor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle—from “Clueless” to Everlane to news about Lizzo. She’s been a freelancer for 11 years and has had roles with Cosmopolitan and Bustle, with bylines in Parents, Seventeen, and elsewhere. It’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.
-
I Spoke to a Jewelry Expert—Here's How to Make Your Silvery Jewelry Look Like New in Four Steps
Five minutes is all you need to bring the sparkle back to your favorite piece.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Princess Kate Looked "Furious" With Prince William on Rare Occasion She Couldn't Mask "Negative Emotions," Body Language Expert Says
But it was all sorted out soon enough.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Hailey Bieber Stunned in a Wet T-Shirt and String Bikini Ahead of the "Best Summer of Her Life"
This is a whole look.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is Seen Skipping Happily With Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte in Behind-the-Scenes Footage
This is too cute.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Blames 'Daily Mirror' Publishers for Chelsy Davy Breakup in Court Documents
The court case began this week.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Tabloid Stories About Prince Harry Came From Members of the Royal Family, 'Daily Mirror' Publisher Claims
These claims could corroborate previous statements from Harry.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Hugged a Little Girl Who Burst Into Tears During Windsor Walkabout, And Told Her Mom to Get Her an Ice Cream
So cute!!!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Here's How Princess Kate Kept an Eye on Prince Louis During the Coronation, According to a Body Language Expert
Smart.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Louis Was Filmed Eating a S'more So Delicious It Literally Made Him "Weak at the Knees"
Oh, Louis.
By Iris Goldsztajn